Bistro at Hotel du Vin - Cheltenham

We hear a great deal about recycling these days - du Vin recycles attractive but un-loved buildings to restore real gems in the best tradition of British understated style.

Complement that with all that is best in the French bistro ethos, bars that reach out to please, and you have a setting that provides an inspirational background for people to meet, do business, get married, provide a base for golf or fishing, somewhere you can call your own for a private celebration, a spa or - most engagingly - a wine school that breaks the mould.

In Cheltenham, a sacred spots when it comes to horseracing in Britain, du Vin has transformed the former Carlton Hotel into a luxury boutique hotel located in the trés chic Montpellier district of this elegant Regency spa town, strategically placed for exploration of some of the best of the nearby Cotswolds

The Hotel is noted for its spacious public areas centred on a magnificent spiral staircase. The trademark Hotel du Vin Bistro is but one of these areas. Each of the 49 bedrooms and suites room has handsprung mattresses, fine Egyptian linen, deep baths and power showers in great en-suite bathrooms, and high speed wireless internet access is standard throughout.

Classic bistro fare is served in this busy restaurant. Dishes such as chicken liver terrine or ribeye steak with pommes frites are commonplace on the menu. Other dishes of note are the herb crusted hake with puy lentils and the fantastic steak hache with fried duck egg and rosti potatoes. There are daily specials and vegetarian options and children are well catered for  with the bistro currently offering a 'Kid's eat free' policy.

Other menu options include their 2000 and wine offering whereby 2 people can have 2 courses each, coffee and a bottle of wine between them for £29. Plats du jours change daily and are £10.95 including a glass of wine.

Wine is at the heart of this bistro and there is something for everyone. As well as the extensive list there is also their 30 under £30 list. Their friendly staff are always on hand to offer any advice in this area.

Two bars provide the ideal spot for a cocktail or glass of champagne before dinner and a place to relax with your coffee after dinner.

If you want to be ahead of the crowd at race times do be sure to book early - there can be few better places in Cheltenham from which to conduct an attractive day's racing and celebrate afterwards,or to base yourself for some leisurely touring in the heart of England,

Click on their Website for full information and rates. Hotel du Vin, with fourteen options throughout Britain, awaits your call.